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Following morale boosting Cup wins against both the Manchester giants, Liverpool travel to Molineux to face relegation contenders Wolverhampton Wanderers for their 23^rd match of the Premier League season. The Reds will be looking to close the gap on fourth placed Chelsea, who are currently six points ahead of them, while Wolves will be hoping to get something out of the game in order to propel themselves out of the relegation zone.

Earlier in the season, when these two sides met at Anfield, Liverpool emerged victorious courtesy of a goal from Luis Suarez and an own goal from Roger Johnson, with Steven Fletcher bagging a consolation goal for the visitors. Liverpool also won at Molineux the last time they played there, with Fernando Torres scoring a brace and Raul Meireles netting their third.

Wolves:

Without a win in their last 10 matches, Wolves are certainly in a world of trouble. They are currently level on points with Blackburn and will need to play exceptionally well to bag all three points against Liverpool.

Wolves’ main threat will be their striker Steven Fletcher. The Scottish hitman has already scored 9 goals this season and has the uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time. The hosts will also pose a threat out wide, especially since both Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson like to foray forward and the likes of Michael Kightly and Matt Jarvis have ample pace to exploit that.

The problem though will be their midfield. With Karl Henry suspended, Mick McCarthy’s men may just find it hard to retain possession against a Liverpool side that closes down opponents pretty quickly.

Defensively too Wolves need to be at the top of their game. They have conceded 40 goals already this season and could struggle to cope with the movement of Liverpool players.

Among the players who are likely to miss the match are Ronald Zubar (knee injury), Jody Craddock (hamstring), Jamie O’Hara (Hernia) and Karl Henry (suspended). On loan midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong though is likely to retain his place after his facial injury turned out to be less severe than previously perceived.

Liverpool:

Liverpool are without a win in 3 Premier League matches and will want to carry their Cup form into the league. Throughout the season, Liverpool’s main problem has been their inability to finish the chances that they create. Although they have scored 4 goals in their last two matches, there are still a lot of questions surrounding the likes of Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing.

Carroll, however, put in a good shift against Manchester United and will be eager to get back to scoring ways against Wolves. Liverpool’s main weapon though will be Craig Bellamy. The former Manchester City man has been in phenomenal form all season and the Reds do look a different side when he’s playing. His pace and creativity will be crucial if Liverpool are to bag all three points in this match.

Charlie Adam too will have a lot to prove after failing to make it to the starting eleven against United. He has come under criticism for his performances lately and will need to up his game if he is to retain a place in the first team. Another key player for the Reds will be Steven Gerrard. The talismanic captain’s creativity will definitely cause Wolves’ defenders lots of problems.

Defensively Liverpool seem to be a strong unit. They have conceded only 21 goals so far and will fancy themselves against the hosts, who like Liverpool have been struggling in front of goal.

Among the players who will miss the match are Luis Suarez, for whom this will the last game wherein he is suspended, Lucas, who is out for the season and Jay Spearing who is doubtful due to a hamstring injury.

Head to Head:

24^th September, 2011: Liverpool 2-1 Wolves (Johnson o.g. 11’, Suarez 38’, Fletcher 49’)

22^nd January, 2011: Wolves 0-3 Liverpool (Torres 36’, 91’,Meireles 50’)

Form Guide:

Wolves (LLDDL):
21st January, 2012: Wolves 2-3 Aston Villa
18th January, 2012: Wolves 0-1 Birmingham (FA Cup)
14th January, 2012: Tottenham 1-1 Wolves
7th January, 2012: Birmingham 0-0 Wolves (FA Cup)
2nd January, 2012: Wolves 1-2 Chelsea

Liverpool (WDLDW):
28th January, 2012: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United (FA Cup)
25th January, 2012: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City (Carling Cup)
21st January, 2012: Bolton 3-1 Liverpool
14th January, 2012: Liverpool 0-0 Stoke
11th January, 2012: Manchester City 0-1 Liverpool (Carling Cup)

Probable Line-ups:

Wolves (4-5-1): Hennessey, Ward , Johnson, Berra, Foley, Kightly, Edwards, Milijas, Frimpong, Jarvis, Fletcher

Wolves are likely to field a 4-5-1 lineup with Steven Fletcher spearheading the attack. Michael Kightly and Matt Jarvis will be expected to start on the wings, while Nenad Milijas and David Edwards will be deployed in the midfield, with the former coming in for the suspended Karl Henry. On loan defensive midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong will be expected to start after recovering from his facial injury. The defence will see Roger Johnson partnering Christophe Berra at the centre, with Stephen Ward and Kevin Foley out wide.

Liverpool (4-5-1): Reina, Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique, Bellamy, Adam, Gerrard, Kuyt, Henderson, Carroll

Liverpool will field a largely unchanged lineup, although Charlie Adam and Craig Bellamy might be handed a start. Andy Carroll is likely to continue upfront, with Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson occupying the midfield alongside Adam. Stewart Downing might be demoted to the bench, with Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt coming in on the wings. The defence will have Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel at the centre, with Glen Johnson on the right and Jose Enrique on the left.

Prediction: Liverpool have momentum on their side and it is the exact opposite for Wolves. Expect the Reds to win this one comfortably, with Wolves having failed to keep a clean sheet in the league since August.

Predicted Score-line: Wolves 0-2 Liverpool

Also Read: Man Utd vs Stoke Preview / Everton vs Man City Preview

File Photograph Copyright: Inge Knoff